Tongue-Tie and Lip-Tie
At The Dental Family, we offer laser treatment to help kids with a lip-tie or tongue-tie. Laser treatment causes less bleeding and has a faster healing than traditional methods, and our expert team can guide you every step of the way.
What is a tongue-tie?
A tongue-tie happens when the thin strip of tissue under the tongue (called the lingual frenulum) is too tight. This restricts
tongue movement and can affect how a child eats, speaks, and develops. Similar restrictions can happen with the lip (lip-tie) or
the tissue connecting the cheeks to the gums (buccal-tie).
What signs might indicate my child has a tongue or lip-tie?
- Feeding problems
- Trouble latching, painful nursing, and clicking sounds while feeding,
- Reflux, or slow weight gain
- Speech issues
- Delayed speech development or trouble making certain sounds
- Sleep disruptions
- Snoring, breathing through the mouth, or restless sleep
- Eating difficulties
- Gagging on foods, avoiding certain textures, or trouble
- Chewing and swallowing
How do you treat tongue-ties and lip-ties?
At The Dental Family, we offer laser treatment for tongue-ties and lip-ties. Your child’s doctor uses a gentle CO2 laser to release the restricted tissue. The procedure is typically quick, causes minimal discomfort, and may result in less bleeding and faster healing compared with traditional methods.
Before recommending treatment, we encourage an assessment with an appropriate specialist, such as a lactation consultant or speech therapist. This evaluation helps determine whether the tie is affecting your child’s feeding, speech, or oral function so we can develop a care plan based on their individual needs.
Meet Our Specialists
Dr. Jennie Lee
Board Certified Pediatric Dentist
With her deep commitment to pediatric dentistry, Dr. Jennie Lee provides expert care for children, helping them maintain healthy smiles through every stage of development. Her gentle demeanor and personalized approach make her a favorite among parents and kids alike.
Meet Dr. Lee
Dr. Amie Shah
Board Certified Pediatric Dentist
A highly respected pediatric dentist, Dr. Amie Shah specializes in making dental visits enjoyable and stress-free for children. She focuses on preventive care and early interventions, ensuring her young patients develop healthy habits that last a lifetime.
Meet Dr. ShahFrequently Asked Questions
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How do I know if my child needs tongue tie or lip tie treatment?
Not every tongue-tie or lip-tie requires treatment. We recommend a functional assessment with a speech therapist or lactation consultant to determine whether laser treatment may be beneficial.
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Is laser tongue-tie or lip-tie treatment painful?
CO2 laser treatment is designed to be quick and minimally invasive. We take steps to keep your child as comfortable as possible throughout the procedure and will explain what to expect beforehand.
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What should I expect after tongue-tie or lip-tie treatment?
Some tenderness or fussiness can be normal following treatment. Healing typically occurs relatively quickly, although every child is different. Our team will provide detailed post-operative instructions, including how to care for the treatment area, what your child can eat or drink, and when to contact us with concerns.
Learn More About Treatment for Tongue-Ties and Lip-Ties
Contact us if you have any questions about treating tongue-ties and lip-ties.
